Revamped VA Hospital Bylaws: Key Updates on Discrimination Language

Q: Has President Donald Trump established a rule permitting VA doctors to deny treatment to Democrats? A: No. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs revised its bylaws to align with recent executive orders. This revision involved the removal of terms such as “national origin, politics, marital status” from the non-discrimination language. However, existing federal law continues to prohibit discrimination on these grounds, according to the VA. In an email, a VA spokesperson emphasized that the changes would not affect who the VA treats or hires. A review of the VA's Palo Alto Health Care System bylaws indicated that while the original bylaws prohibited discrimination based on various characteristics, the amended version clarifies that discrimination is not permitted on any legally protected status, which includes race, color, and religion. The VA reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to non-discrimination in care and employment, stating that there are robust federal laws that prohibit denying care based on national origin, politics, or marital status.